Exeter School A GSG School

Other features

All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.

Sports

Equestrian centre or equestrian team - school has own equestrian centre or an equestrian team.

Shooting

What The Good Schools Guide says

Head

Since September 2021, Louise Simpson (40s), previously head of St Paul’s School in São Paulo, Brazil. State educated in Lowestoft. MSc in environmental science from The University of Wales. Thoughtful, empathetic and engaging, she is currently studying for an MA in character education at Birmingham and is revelling in ‘exploring academic study again as an adult’ while also looking forward to applying the concepts within the school. It is, she reckons, the area where she can make the most discernible difference to the school’s offering. The four pillars of intellectual, moral, civic and performance virtues all interlink with practical wisdom as the building blocks of character, she explains – the idea being that these, combined with a good academic education, lead to a ‘flourishing individual and society.’ Intellectual stuff which, in a nutshell, demonstrates her commitment to fully developing pupils philosophically, emotionally and academically.

Cut teeth as biology teacher at Gresham’s, Norfolk, then started working her way up the ladder at Ratcliffe College and King’s Rochester before becoming senior deputy head at Brighton College, where she met her husband, set up an overseas arm of the college and had a baby. Spent four years as head at Bromley High before realising her dream of working overseas as a head, a six-year period which saw her through her daughter’s primary education in Brazil and opened her eyes to the value of ‘being intentionally international in educational outlook.’ Snuck in a GCSE in Portuguese too before returning to the UK, which she wanted to do for her daughter’s senior school education. Says joining this school has ‘felt like a coming home.’

The school’s first female head, she is keen to quietly make her mark. Besides embedding the character development, she is also reviewing the pastoral offering and structure of the school day. No, she’s not about to extend it or add in Saturday school, just keeping an eye on the wellbeing of staff and pupils. Currently leads biology lessons for most year 7 pupils – gives her valuable experience in ‘what it feels like to teach here…it’s the one time in the week that I can’t be interrupted with other meetings,’ she told us, not to mention getting to know the pupils. Parents appreciate that she is transparent in her plans for the school but told us that joining in the pandemic means ‘we have yet to get to know her.’

Married with one daughter at the school, she spends her downtime outdoors wherever possible, normally with her two dogs in tow.

Entrance

Academically selective, with pupils' standardised score results ranging from the top end of the national average, according to the head. Traditional entry points of 11+, 13+ and for sixth form but open for applicants at any time if there’s space. At 11+ and 12+ entry assessments in maths, English and CAT4 tests to measure verbal, non-verbal, quantitative and spatial reasoning. A science paper is also introduced for 13+ and 14+ entry and a MFL paper for 14+ entry. At 11+ there is a half day interaction and taster day, no formal interview but closely watched in situ to look for ‘that spark that brings something different’. For 13+ an interview with one of the senior leadership team. Post-GCSE, reference, interviews, appraisal of extracurricular achievements and interests plus three GCSEs at 7-9 and three at grade 6 including passes in English and maths.

Exit

On average 10–15 per cent leave after GCSEs, swiftly replaced with new starters. Post A levels, seven to Oxbridge in 2022, and five medics. To a wide range of universities, on average 65 per cent to Russell Group. Exeter, Cardiff, Bristol, Durham, Bath, Nottingham, Manchester and Leeds all popular. Sometimes one or two overseas.

Latest results

In 2023, 81 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 61 per cent A*/A at A level (83 per cent A*-B). In 2019 (the last pre-pandemic results), 73 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 54 per cent A*/A at A level.

Teaching and learning

The school lives up to its local academic reputation with excellent results and, according to one parent, ‘consistently strong, impressively engaging teaching in every subject’. ‘Doesn’t feel pressured or unmanageable once you’re here,’ said a parent though nobody denies the fast pace. Lots of homework and high expectations, but both accompanied with a good dose of empathy, we heard. ‘Our teachers want the best from us but they are really understanding if we haven’t managed to get to all of the homework or if we need an extra catch up session with them to help grasp a certain topic,’ voiced a pupil. The focus is on developing core learning habits and, crucially, everyone here wants to learn.

In an initiative sped up by the pandemic, every pupil is given an iPad on starting at the school, purchased by parents via a school managed scheme, and electronic learning is seamlessly dipped into across all subjects. Class sizes are small and pupils are focussed and on the button with answers. Sets to reflect speed and style of learning in maths from the outset and for English, languages and science for the GCSE years, with top grade expectations from every group. Choice of 18 subjects at GCSE - a core base of six, including one language, which most pupils top up to 10, a few to 11. Science, English, maths and modern foreign languages shine brightest on results day.

Most stay on for sixth form – not bad for a city with a highly regarded sixth form college. Pupils start with four out of the 23 A levels on offer, then drop one in year 13 (explains the low completion rate for EPQ – just too much work, say pupils). Options ‘very much catered for medics and lawyers, it would be lovely to see some broader options to ensure career future proofing’, appealed parents (school points out it now runs a BTEC in Sport as a step in this direction and a new head of sixth form promises ‘further exploration’ of subjects). Economics, electronics, politics and psychology all recently introduced and pupils get ‘taster lessons’ to facilitate choices in year 11. Biology, chemistry, maths and geography get top results.

We watched a year 13 biology class whiz through epigenetics at an eye watering pace. Having mastered the basics, pupils were up on their feet modelling the nucleosome structure with string, post-it notes and lots of winding and unwinding of their bodies to demonstrate the binding of transcription factors. Intelligent questions ran freely, combined with a healthy mix of fun and laughter. Over in year 9, history students were re-writing the lyrics of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life to tell the story of the French revolution. Using each verse to tell a different side of the social background and the important messages in the chorus, it was all we could do to stop ourselves humming the tune all day.

Classrooms modern with lots of tech and up to date, intelligent displays covering every wall space. Stunning, calm vaulted library with a top floor mezzanine reserved for sixth form study.

Learning support and SEN

‘Very accepting of difference,’ claims school, with 20 per cent of pupils supported for a mild additional requirement. A fully trained SEN assessor leads the learning support team which is praised by parents for speedy diagnosis and supportive learning plans that recognise and respond to need. Also for LS insights and extra support requirements outlined for each teacher in every lesson to ensuring keyboard access or additional time allowances in exams. But there could be ‘greater teacher training to help embed and improve SEN provision within every classroom, not simply relying on the LS team,’ said a parent. Gifted and talented are supported ‘kindly, with lots of support, praise and encouragement’ with the often trickier social and emotional needs of school life, we heard.

The arts and extracurricular

Music department a much-loved refuge and ‘essential head space,’ as one pupil put it. Parents told of ‘an absolute tonne of opportunities: ensembles, orchestras and choirs galore.’ Everyone appreciates the more experienced musicians helping novices especially for concerts, often playing alongside much younger pupils in performances. Plenty of revered chances to perform in Exeter Cathedral but also in the onsite chapel and concert hall.

The fully functioning theatre gives the opportunity for pupils to learn lighting, sound, costume and set design as well as treading the boards under the direction of the head of drama, himself a performing actor and playwright. Plenty of drama clubs, trips and performances throughout the school. Final rehearsals were underway for The Odyssey on our visit.

Art and DT studios well equipped and busy during our visit. ‘Incredibly enthusiastic staff,’ according to parents, who also praise the trips to inspire creativity, including an annual GCSE visit to The Tate and Barbara Hepworth museum in St Ives. Lots of art works on display across the school and competitions and exhibition opportunities aplenty.

Masses of clubs and societies, from academic masterclasses to career societies and outdoor essentials such as DofE, Ten Tors and CCF. ‘The academic reputation belies the reality that this is a school that creates and inspires opportunity in every path,’ lauded one parent. Field trips, outings, tours and expeditions are, Covid aside, the norm here with pupils given every opportunity to expand their horizons.

Sport

‘We do really well across most sports against schools that have far more time to practise,’ laughed one pupil, referring to the boarding schools they compete against. Good results and enthusiasm for sport among the pupils we spoke to. Traditional approach for younger years with main sports including hockey (girls and boys), rugby, netball and cricket (also both sexes); broader opportunities for older pupils with an impressive 25 available by sixth form. Coaching and fair team picking pulled out as plus points by parents – means that if you’re keen and committed, you will get a game, we heard. Fantastic facilities for a city school, encircled by acres of immaculate pitches, an on-site 25m pool, two squash courts, vast sports hall and a fitness suite.

Ethos and heritage

An impressive collection of Victorian red brick and banded stone buildings designed by the architect William Butterfield, all sympathetically extended with modern additions. Immaculately well-kept and presented, it sits on a 25-acre site in the central, Heavitree area of Exeter. Founded in 1633 as Exeter Free Grammar School, moving to its present site in 1877, it has been an independent school since 1976 and co-ed since 1997. Plans afoot to make the entire site traffic free, extending the lofty campus feel. But while it’s visually grand, the mood is not elitist. We noted a calm, welcoming, friendly and intelligent buzz.

Pastoral care, inclusivity and discipline

It’s cool to learn here, with disciplinary issues few and far between. Pastoral team aware of spiralling anxiety issues especially post-pandemic, with form tutors and house staff the first port of call though pupils told us they could talk to any staff member. Of particular note was ‘Room 3’, a safe space where any pupil can pop in for social, emotional or personal support - and pop in they do with an unashamed attitude of ‘owning difficulties’ and a great deal of respect for the team, which includes a full-time counsellor. The senior deputy head used the analogy of the fitness training needed by the first rugby team to return to peak fitness post Covid as a similar job to that which the pastoral team face to ensure emotional and social recovery for all of their pupils in the same aftermath. A thought provokingly honest outlook. Following media coverage in relation to pastoral matters in the summer of 2021, school emphasised that responsibility for pastoral counsel is not at the feet of one person. Feedback from pupils and parents was that pastoral care here is now ‘fantastic, with an impressive offering of personal support and an agile and effective ability to respond to issues.’ Parents say they have easy access to staff and are confident of emotional as well as educational progress.

Diversity topics ‘well covered and sensitively approached,’ according to parents who feel that the school ‘does well at remaining on top of issues and ensuring awareness and understanding in its pupils.’ Sixth formers spoke to us of inspirational speakers on a wide range of personal topics including an ‘anti macho posturing’ talk called What it Means to be a Man. GCSE age pupils were refreshingly openly calling for greater education on same sex relationships. Pupils say they feel listened to and also like ‘the way the school sets you up for later life’. Sixth formers spoke approvingly of their life skills course in helping them prepare for life after school.

School puts a lot of emphasis on early bonding of the new starters, with an annual year 7 residential in the first few weeks of term, usually to a Dartmoor outward bound centre. ‘I started during Covid times so we couldn’t go away but we all camped in the school grounds instead; it was so much fun,’ regaled one pupil.

Pupils and parents

Pupils come in from an hour’s radius. Just under 60 per cent are boys, a stable ratio due mainly to the girls’ school up the road. Parents mostly dual income professionals with high academic expectations for their children. ‘A lot of families work really hard to send their children here,’ according to parents, giving the school a ‘real world mix’. Lots of social interaction between parents and busy WhatsApp groups abound. Pupils we met were upbeat and eloquent, intelligent and questioning - a lovely cross section of young people.

Money matters

Fees are kept as competitively low as possible. Nine free places a year for external candidates whose families would otherwise be unable to afford it, funded by donations from former pupils. Additional bursarial support also available. Note no fee remittance for scholarships which instead offer recognition for ‘merit and excellence’ to students entering years 7, 9 and 12.

The last word

A modest school that isn't used to singing its own praises, just quietly and consistently getting on with offering an excellent education underpinned by an expansive array of extracurricular opportunities in an empathetic and inclusive environment.

Special Education Needs

Exeter school has a fully qualified Learning Support Coordinator who works to assess and to assist those pupils with Special Educational Needs. Pupils are referred to Learning Support for assessment on entry to the school if SEN is already known or by teaching members of staff when difficulties are noted in lessons. The Learning Support Coordinator will then assess the pupil. The resulting support varies according to need but strategies include, circulation to staff of summary details and strategies to help the pupil learn in class, monitoring through Learning Support and the pastoral system and withdrawal from lessons for one-to-one coaching.

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